Method and apparatus for distributing molten metal and the like



June 1, 1965 R. J. ADAMO ETAL 3,186,040

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING MOLIEN METAL AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 1, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS ROBERT J.ADAMO EDWARD A-GREGER FRED W. PIERSON D FRED W.PIERSON, JR.

THEIR ATTORNEYS June 9 5 R. J. ADAMO ETAL 3,136,040

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING MOLTEN METAL AND THE LIKE Filed D60. 1, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I'NVENTORS ROBERT .1. ADAMO,EDWARD A. GREGER, FRED w. PIERSON a FRED w. PIERSON, JR.

f THEIRTATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,186,040 ME'IHGD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING MGLTEN METAL AND THE LIKE Robert John Adamo, Grandville, and Edward Albert Gregor, Grand Rapids, Mich, and Fred William Pierson, 1147 Wheeler SW., and Fred William Pierson, Jr., 3815 Byron Center Road SW., both of Grand Rapids, Mich, assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, to said Fred W. Pierson and said Fred W. Pierson, Jr.

Filed Dec. 1, 1%0, Ser. No. 72,903 Claims. (Cl. 22-80) This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for distributing molten metal and the like from one structure to another structure, such as from a furnace or ladle to a casting unit.

Generally, when it is desired to cast ingots and the like from molten metal formed or melted in conventional furnaces and the like, the molten metal is conveyed from the furnace by gravity along a trough-defining construction to the particular mold structure. Alternately, the molten metal in the furnace is dispensed into a relatively large ladle and degassed and conveyed therein to the molding apparatus. In order to properly control the flow of metal from the ladle to the moldingrapparatus, is distribution pan is provided whereby the molten metal is dispensed from the ladle into the pan and from the pan into one or more molds as desired.

Normally, the distribution pans and troughs are formed of rigid metal frames or shells having the interior surfaces thereof lined with suitable heat insulating material to prevent loss of heat of the molten metal confined therein and subsequent solidification or freeze up of the same.

However, it has been found that through continued use of such prior known distribution constructions, the rigid metal frames thereof tend to expand and contract through the subsequent heating and cooling thereof, whereby the insulating linings secured to the metal frames tend to crack and break up. Not only do such expansion and contraction of the metal frames cause the insulation to break up but also cause the metal frames themselves to subsequently break. Further, the cracking and breaking of the insulation cause particles thereof to break off into the molten metal, whereby adverse impurities are cast with the metal distributed thereby.

According to the teachings of this invention, however, improved distribution constructions and methods are provided where in adverse expansion and contraction of the distribution constructions are substantially eliminated, whereby the heat insulating liners thereof do not crack and break up. In this manner, not only are the distribution constructions of this invention long lasting and substantially maintenance free, but also the same cast cleaner metal than in the past, as there is no tendency for particles of the liners to break oif into the metal being cast thereby.

In particular, one of the features of this invention is to provide a method and a means whereby the heat of the rigid metal frame or shell of the particular distribution construction is continuously being absorbed by a coolant or the like, so that the changes in the temperature of the metal frame or shell during subsequent operations is relatively small and does not adversely affect the structure of the distribution construction.

Another feature of this invention is to prevent the heat of the molten metal dispensed by the distribution constructions of this invention from unduly heating the metal frames or shells thereof to an adverse degree to cause such expansion and subsequent contraction thereof.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved distribution construction having one or more of the novel features set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method for distributing molten metal and the like.

Other Objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a distribution construction and method of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the distribution pan illustrated in FIGURE 1 and is taken on line 2-2 thereof. 7

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the distribution pan illustrated in FIGURE 1. v

FIGURE 4 is a reduced bottom, cross-sectional view of the distribution pan of FIGURE 2 and is taken on line 4-4 thereof.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 and illustrates another embodiment of this invention.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a distribution trough of this invention and is taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the distribution trough of FIGURE 6 and is taken on line 7-7 thereof.

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7 and illustrates another embodiment of this invention.

Referring to FIGURE 1, an improved method and distribution construction of this invention-are schematically illustrated, the distribution construction being generally indicated by the reference numeral 10.

The molten metal distribution method illustrated in FIGURE 1 generally comprises a ladle 11 or the like for conveying molten metal 12, such as aluminum containing metal or the like, from a conventional heating furnace, whereby the molten metal12 can be dispensed from the ladle If, after proper degassing thereof, into the distribution pan 10. The molten metal lz'is then selectively dispensed from the distribution pan into one or more molds, such as ingot molds 14, carried on a wheeled support 15 for moving the molds 14.- to and from the distribution pan 10.

As previously stated, one of the features of this invention is to prevent the heat from the molten metal 12 being dispensed into and contained in the distribution pan 10 from adversely affecting the same, whereby the distribution pan 10 can be used over and over again without excessive repairs and/ or frequent replacement thereof, as is provided by prior-known distribution constructions.

This feature of this invention is accomplished by absorbing the heat conducted or radiated to the rigid metal frame or shell of the distribution pan 10, whereby the frame or shell does not expand and contract to van ad verse degree.

In particular, the distribution pan 10 comprises a substantially rectangular, cupeshaped, rigid metal frame member or shell 16 having a bottom plate-like wall 17, FIG- URE 2, suitably secured to outwardly tapering side walls 1%, the shell 16 being formed of any suitable metal, such as steel and the like.

The interior surface I? of the metal frame or shell 16 is lined with a suitable heat insulating material 20 that is adapted to withstand the heat of any desired molten metal poured thereon. For example, it has been found that the metal shell 16 can be satisfactorily lined with light porous blocks of Glassrock Foam, manufactured by Glassrock Products, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., by suitably cementing the blocks to the shell 16 by an appropriate adhesive layer, such as Glassrock cement, manufactured by Glassrock Products, Inc. Thereafter, the pores of the Glassrock Foam are suitably sealed at the exposed surfaces thereof and the spaces between the blocks thereof are filled with a layer of molten-metal impervious material formed from a slurry of ground Glassrock Foam and Glassrock cement. In this manner, the distribution pan comprises an outer rigid metal frame member or backing lined with a thin layer of porous, insulating material and having a thin layer of molten-metal impervious material disposed on the exposed surface of the insulation layer. Such insulating material has performed satisfactorily when molten aluminum at 1300 F. is distributed by the pan 10, because the Glassrock Foam has a relatively low U-factor (a relatively low coefficient of heat transferability).

By insulating the metal shell 16 with the lining 20, the distribution pan 10 can be utilized without pre-heating the same, as the lining does not absorb the heat of the molten metal 12 entering the pan 10, and, thereby, prevents the molten metal 12 from solidifying, as would happen if the molten metal 12 was placed on an unheated and uninsulated metal surface.

A plurality of openings or passage means 21 are formed in the bottom wall 17 of the shell 16 and the lining 20 for dispensing the molten metal from the interior of the shell 16 to the exterior thereof in a manner hereinafter described. While four such openings 21 are illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4-, it is to be understood that only one or any desired number of openings 21 may be provided, as desired, the number of openings 21 controlling the number of different molds that can be simultaneously or selectively filled by the distribution pan 10.

A second substantially cup-shaped, metal frame member or shell 22, having a bottom wall 23 and outwardly tapering side walls 24, telescopically receives the lower portion of the shell 16 and is secured thereto in spaced relation in any suitable manner. For example, the shell 22 can be secured to the shell 16 by a plurality of bolts 25 passing through suitable aligned apertures in the respective bottom Walls 23 and 17 thereof, the bolts having enlarged heads 26 engaging the outer surface of the shell 22 and nuts 27 engaging the interior surface of the shell 16.

In order to properly space the shells 16 and 22 from each other, a plurality of peripheral spacers 28 and a plurality of elongated, parallel spacers 29 are carried by one of the shells 16 and 22 to properly space the shells 16 and 22 relative to each other when the same are assembled together in the above manner. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2, the spacers 28 and 29 are formed of steel and are suitably secured, such as by welding or the like, to the bottom wall 17 of the shell 16.

The interior surface 30 of the shell 22 is lined with suitable heat insulating material 31, which may be the same as the lining 20 or different, as desired.

While the shell 22 may be formed of any suitable metal,

the same can have a highly reflective exterior surface 32 to reflect the radiated heat of the molten metal dispensed by the distribution pan 10 into the molds 14 away from the metal shell 16 of the distribution pan 10. The heat insulating lining 31 of the shell 22 also tends to prevent the heat of the shell 22 and the heat of the molten metal in the molds 14 from reaching the metal shell 16. Suitable openings or passage means 33 are formed in the bottom wall 23 and lining 31 of the shell 22, the openings 33 being aligned with the openings 21 of the shell 16 to permit suitable dispensing conduits or down spouts 34, FIGURES 1 and 5, to be inserted therein to interconnect the interior of the shell 16 with the exterior of the shell 22, whereby the molten metal 12 dispensed into the pan 10 by the ladle 11 can be directed therefrom into the molds 14. If desired, the conduits 34 may be permanently secured to the shell 16 by Heliarc welding or the like.

Each conduit 34 is provided with suitable valve means 35 for selectively controlling the flow of metal therethrough. Thus, not only can the valve means 35 completely close off the respective conduit means 34, but also the valve means 35 can selectively control the rate of flow of the molten metal passing through the respective conduit 34 into the particular mold 14. However, it is to be understood that other types of valve means may be provided, if desired, such as by placing a conventional floating bathe in the mold which controls the rate of flow of the molten metal through the particular conduit 34 interconnected therewith.

While the heat insulating lining 20 of the distribution pan 16 tends to initially prevent the heat of the molten metal 12 contained therein from reaching and heating the metal shell 16 thereof, the lining 20 subsequently becomes heated and, thereby, transfers such heat to the metal shell 16.

In order to prevent this heat from expanding the metal shell 16, whereby such expansion and subsequent contraction thereof upon cooling when the pan is empty would tend to crack and break up the lining 20, as well as the shell 16, means are provided to continuously remove the heat of the shell 16.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-4, a continuous length of tubing 36, such as copper tubing or the like, is coiled about the side walls 18 of the metal shell 16 and is disposed in intimate contact therewith. The lower coil of the tubing 36 is disposed across the bottom wall 17 of the metal shell 16 in a sinuous path, as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4, the tubing 36 passing between the spacers 29 in such a manner that the entire area of the bottom Wall 17 can be cooled by a suitable coolant passed through the tubing 36.

The tubing 36 may be secured in intimate contact with the side walls 18 and bottom wall 17 of the shell 16 in any suitable manner, such as by brazing or the like, and the elongated spacers 29 and small peripheral spacers 28, FIGURE 4, properly space the shell 22 from the tubing 36 to prevent damage thereto.

For example, it has been found advantageous to Weld or otherwise secure the tubing 36 to the shell at alternate lengths of approximately six inches thereof so that each pair of welded six-inch sections of tubing 36 is separated by an unwelded six-inch section of tubing.

Therefore, if one of the unwelded sections of the tubing 36 is damaged or fractured, the damaged part thereof can be removed by cutting the unsecured section on each side of the damaged part thereof. Thereafter, a new section of tubing can be spliced to the unsecured ends of the undamaged portions of that particular unwelded section. However, should the damaged part of the particular unwelded section be too long, the tubing 36 can be cut at the next adjacent unsecured sections and the splicing piece of tubing can be secured to those unsecured ends of the undamaged tubing 36 and by-pass around the welded sections adjacent the damaged unsecured section. Likewise, if the damaged part of the tubing 36 occurs at a Welded or secured section thereof, the adjacent pair of unsecured sections can be severed and a piece of tubing can be connected to the unsecured ends of the undamaged tubing 36 and by-pass around the damaged welded section.

In this manner, the tubing 36 of the distribution pan 10 can be readily repaired without requiring a timeconsuming and costly unwelding operation.

The end 38 of the bottom coil of the length of tubing 36 forms an inlet, and the end 39 of the upper coil of the tubing 36 forms an outlet whereby a suitable coolant can be passed through the tubing 36 to absorb the heat of the metal shell 16 and thus prevent adverse expansion thereof during the period when molten metal is being distributed by the pan 10.

Therefore, since the coolant passed through the tubing 36 continuously absorbs and removes the heat of the metal shell 16, the metal shell 16 remains at a relatively low temperature during the molten metal distribution cycle and does not expand and subsequently contract, as in prior-known devices whereby there is no tendency for the lining 20 and shell 16 to crack and break up. Thus, the distribution pan 10 can be utilized over and over again, without repairs or replacement and without having parts of the lining thereof break off and be cast with the molten metal distributed thereby.

The coolant circulated through the tubing 36 may be any suitable cooling medium, such as air, refrigerant, Water, and the like. For example, an ordinary supply of tap Water for the casting plant can be connected to the inlet 38 (or the end 39 of the tubing 36, as desired), whereby the water is forced through the tubing 36 and expelled out of the outlet 39, the Water continuously absorbing the heat of the shell 16 and removing the absorbed heat out through to outlet 39 to maintain the metal shell 16 at a relatively constant low temperature, so that the same does not expand to an adverse degree when the molten metal 12 is being dispensed by the distribution pan It In addition, the cup-shaped metal shell 22 reflects the radiated heat of the molten metal 12 fed to the molds 14 away from the exterior of the shell 16, so that the same does not tend to heat the same to cause expansion thereof. Also, the heat insulating liner 3d of the shell 22 tends to prevent the heat from the shell 22 and the molds 14 from reaching the shell 16.

In practice, it has been found that a distribution pan made in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES l4 performed satisfactorily when casting molten aluminum containing metal at 1300 F. Such a distribution pan It} was formed from a metal shell 16 having a steel bottom wall of approximately inch thick and steel side walls of approximately inch thick. The heat insulation liner Zll was formed from blocks of the above-mentioned Glassrock Foam, the blocks being inch thick and being cemented to the shell 16 by a cement layer approximately to A1 inch thick and being lined with a to inch thick layer of ground Glassrock Foam and cement. The inside dimensions of the lined metal shell 16 are approximately 24 inches by 24 inches at the top thereof and approximately 5 inches deep. The tubing 36 was inch copper tubing.

Such a distribution pan had the inlet 38 thereof connected to a source of ordinary tap water having a temperature of approximately 5560 F. at the inlet 33 and was forced through the tubing 36 at a rate of approximately 3 to 5 gallons per minute by the ordinary pressure of the tap water system.

The distribution pan Ill having the four outlet down spouts 34 dispensed approximately 6000 pounds of molten aluminum at 1300 F. in approximately 45 minutes, such amount of metal being substantially the amount of molten metal contained in a conventional ladle 11. Therefore, the distribution pan 10 contained molten aluminum at 1300 F. for approximately 45 minutes, and the steel frame or shell 16 thereof did not expand to an adverse degree, because the water circulated through the tubing 36 absorbed the heat of the shell 16 during the entire casting operation, the Water having approximately at to pick-up in temperature during the cooling cycle thereof through the tubing 36.

Therefore, it can be seen that since the steel shell 16 did not appreciatively expand during the casting operation of the molten metal, the same did not contract in the periods between successive casting operations, whereby there was no tendency for the shell 16 and/or liner 2i) to crack and break up. Thus, distribution pans formed in accordance with the teachings of this invention are not only relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but also are adaptable for use in casting plants Without special pumps or refrigeration systems, as the same can utilize ordinary tap water located in such plants. However, such refrigeration systems can be utilized, if desired. Further, such distribution pans are long-lasting and substantially maintenance free, as there are no expansion and contraction of the same in the critical parts thereof which would cause early deterioration thereof. Also, such distribution pans be utilized without expensive preheating 6 of the same before each casting cycle, as the heat insulating lining thereof prevents ready absorption of the heat of the molten metal confined therein.

Another embodiment of a distribution pan of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 5, and parts thereof similar to corresponding parts of the pan it) are indicated by like reference numerals followed by a prime mark.

The metal shell 16 and heat insulating liner 2% of the distribution pan 10 are identical to the pan 1%. However, the shell 22' and liner 31 thereof are so consrtucted and arranged that the same completely surround the metal shell 16 and have top flanges 4i) completely closing the space between the shells 1e and 22. If desired, the inner ends of the flanges 40 may be insulated from the metal shell 16 by the heat insulating liner 31', so that any heat conveyed to the metal shell 22 by the molten metal being dispensed will not pass to-the metal shell 16' by conduction. The shell 22' and liner 31' cooperate with the metal shell 16 to form a completely closed chamber 41 therebetween, the shell 22' being secured to the shell 16' by the bolts 25 and spacers 29 in the manner previously described.

Any suitable cooling medium can be circulated through the chamber 40 by being forced through an inlet pipe 42 from a source thereof (not shown) and out through an outlet pipe 43. For example, ordinary tap water can be forced through the chamber 41, whereby the water absorbs the heat of the metal shell 15' during the casting operations of the pan 10 and maintains the same at a substantially constant temperature, so that the shell 16' does not expand to an adverse degree.

Also, the metal shell 22 reflects the radiated heat of the molten metal dispensed to the mold structure (not shown) disposed below the pan 10, to prevent the same from reaching the metal shell 16. The circulating medium in the chamber 41 cooperates with the liner 31 to prevent the heat from the shell 22' from reaching the shell 16. If desired, however, the lining 31 may be eliminated if it is found that the circulating coolant is sufiicient to prevent the heat of the shell 22 from affecting the shell 16'.

It is to be understood that although the shell 22 is illustrated as completely encasing the exterior surface of the shell 16', the shell 22 can encase any desired portion of the shell 16', whereby the coolant confined in the chamber 41 is directed against only that selected portion of the shell 16'.

While conventional metal down spouts or conduits 34 may be utilized, the conduits 34 illustrated in FIGURE 5 are lined with a suitable insulating material 4 to prevent the circulating cooling medium in the chamber 41 from tending to absorb heat from the molten metal flowing therethrough and causing a freeze-up in the down spouts 34 when a cast is initially started. Further, the valves 35 may be provided in separate conduits that are to be coupled to the down spouts or conduits 34 when the pan 10' is to be interconnected to particular molds.

While the invention so far disclosed has been concerned primarily with distribution pans for molten metal, it is to be understood that the features thereof are readily adaptable for use in molten metal distributing troughs, such as troughs that are being utilized to feed molten metalfrom a furnace to appropriate mold structure without the use of a ladle or the like. Also, such troughs can be utilized for dispensing molten metal from the furnace directly into a distribution pan, whereby the pan distributes the molten metal to one or more mold structures in the above manner.

In particular, a distribution trough of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7 and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 45.

The trough 45 is normally disposed at an angle so that the molten metal 46 can be fed by gravity from a furnace (not shown) to the pouring end 47 thereof disposed over the open end of a suitable mold structure 48.

The distribution trough 45 comprises a metal frame member of shell 49 having a bottom wall 50 and a pair of opposed outwardly tapering side walls 51 Welded to the bottom wall 50 or formed integrally therewith, as desired. The interior surface of the frame or shell 49 is lined with a suitable heat insulating material 52, such as the Glassrock Foam blocks previously described, the insulating material forming a pouring spout 53 at the end 47 of the trough 45.

The metal frame or shell 49 is telescopically received in another metal shell or frame 54 having a heat insulating liner 55 on the interior surface thereof, the shell 54 being interconnected to the shell 49 by bolts 56 and spaced therefrom by suitable spacers 57 in the same manner as the shells 16 and 22 of FIGURE 2.

A continuous conduit means 58 is coiled about the side walls 51 and bottom wall 50 of the metal shell 49 to provide means for circulating a cooling medium that will absorb heat from the metal shell 49 during the casting operation of the trough 45 to prevent the same from expanding to an undesirable degree.

If desired, the metal shell 54 and liner 55 can completely jacket the shell 49 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 8 to provide a chamber 59 for the circulation of a coolant in the same manner as the distribution pan illustrated in FIGURE 5.

Thus, not only is the heat of the molten metal 46 flowing down the trough 45 prevented from heating the metal frame or shell 49 to an adverse degree, whereby the same would expand and subsequently contract during a casting cycle, causing the frame 49 and lining 53 to crack and break up, but also the heat radiated from the molten metal 46 dispensed to the mold structure 48 is prevented from reaching the metal frame 49 by the reflecting metal shell 54 and liner 55.

Accordingly, it can be seen that there has been provided an improved method of distributing molten metal to various mold structures without having impurities cast therewith. Also, there have been provided improved distribution constructions which can be utilized without pre-heating operations and without having the same readily tend to crack and break up during repeated use of the same. Thus, not only are the distribution constructions of this invention relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain because the same can be utilized over and over again without unnecessary maintenance and replacement costs, but also the total number of casts made by the same is greatly increased over prior known structures, as it is unnecessary to remove the distribution constructions of this invention from the casting unit to clean the same, as there is no tendency for particles of the liner to break off into the metal being cast thereby.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by the statutes, other forms may 'be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A distribution pan for dispensing molten metal and the like comprising a first cup-shaped metal member hav ing heat insulating means lining the interior thereof, a second cup-shaped metal member telescopically disposed in said first member and having heat insulating means lining the interior the "eof to be contacted by said molten metal, said members having aligned passage means for interconnecting the interior of said second member with the exterior of said first member to permit molten metal disposed in said second member to flow through said passage means, and means for absorbing heat from said second metal member.

2. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 1, wherein said last-named means includes conduit means disposed in intimate contact with the exterior of said second metal member for conveying a heat absorbing means therethrough.

3. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 1, wherein said last-named means includes a heat absorbing means disposed in a chamber defined between the interior of said first cup-shaped member and the exterior of said second cup-shaped member.

4. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cup-shaped members are secured together in spaced relation.

5. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said cup-shaped members carries a plurality of spacers to space said cup-shaped members relative to each other.

6. A molten metal distribution construction comprising a first metal member defining a molten metal confining structure, heat insulating means to be contacted by said molten metal and lining the interior of said metal member, means for distributing the molten metal in said structure to another structure, means for absorbing heat from said first metal member, a second metal member surrounding at least part of said first metal member, and heat insulating means lining the interior of said second metal member to prevent the heat thereof from reaching said first metal member.

7. A distribution pan for dispensing molten metal and the like, comprising a cup-shaped metal member for receiving molten metal and having side wall means and a bottom wall means, said bottom wall means having passage means for dispensing the molten metal received in said cup-shaped member, heat insulating means to be contacted by said molten metal and lining the interior surfaces of said wall means, means for absorbing heat from said metal member, and means for reflecting the heat from said dispensed molten metal away from said metal member.

8. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 7, wherein said last-named means includes a second metal cup-shaped member telescopically receiving said first-named cupshaped member.

9. A distribution pan for dispensing molten metal and the like, comprising a first cup-shaped metal member for receiving molten metal and having side wall means and a bottom wall means, said bottom wall means having passage means for dispensing the molten metal received in said first cup-shaped member, heat insulating means to be contacted by said molten metal and lining the interior surfaces of said wall means of said first member, a second cup-shaped metal member telescopically receiving said first cup-shaped member and having side wall means and a bottom wall means respectively spaced from said side Wall means and bottom wall means of said first cup-shaped member, said bottom wall means of said second member having passage means aligned with said passage means of said first cup-shaped member, and means disposed between said cup-shaped members for absorbing heat from said first cup-shaped member.

10. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 9, wherein said last-named means includes a coolant circulated between said cup-shaped members.

11. A distribution pan as set forth in claim 9, wherein said last-named means includes conduit means disposed in intimate contact with the exterior surfaces of said side Wall means and bottom wall means of said first cup-shaped member for circulating a coolant to absorb heat from said first cup-shaped member.

12. A molten metal distribution construction comprising a metal member defining a molten metal confining structure, said metal member defining a cup-shaped structure, heat insulating means to be contacted by said molten metal and lining the interior of said metal member, means for distributing the molten metal in said structure to another structure, means for absorbing heat from said metal member, and means for reflecting the heat of the molten metal distributed to said other structure away from said metal member.

13. A molten metal distribution construction comprising a metal member defining a molten metal confining structure, said metal member defining an elongated trough, heat insulating means to be contacted by said molten metal and lining the interior of said metal member, means for distributing the molten metal in said structure to another structure, means for absorbing heat from said metal member, and means for reflecting the heat of the molten metal distributed to said other structure away from said metal member.

14. A method of distributing molten metal from a source thereof to another structure comprising the steps of dispensing said molten metal from said source into a metal member having the interior thereof lined with heat insulating material that is contacted by said molten metal, absorbing heat from said metal member by circulating a coolant directly against the exterior surface of said metal member, dispensing said molten metal from said metal member into said other structure, and reflecting the heat of the molten metal dispensed to said other structure away from the exterior of said metal member.

15. A method of distributing molten metal from a source thereof to another structure comprising the steps tact with said metal member, dispensing said molten metal from said metal member into said other structure, and reflecting the heat of the molten metal dispensed to said other structure away from the exterior of said metal member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,378,710 5/21 Meyerhofer 266-43 1,517,820 12/24 Bong 26643 1,904,664 4/33 Neuhauss 26643 2,779,073 1/57 Osborn 22--70 MORRIS O. WOLK, Primary Examiner.

RAY K. WINDHAM, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,186,040 June 1, 1965 Robert John Adamo et al.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

In the grant, lines 1 to 5, for "Robert John Adamo, of Grandville, and Edward Albert Greger, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Fred William Pierson and Fred William Pierson, Jr. both of Grand Rapids, Michigan, assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, to said Fred W. Pierson and said Fred W. Pierson, Jr. read Robert John Adamo, of Grandville, and Edward Albert Greger, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Fred William Pierson and Fred William Pierson, Jr., both of Grand Rapids, Michigan, said Adamo and said Greger assignors to Reynolds Metals Company, of Richmond, Virginia, a corporation of Delaware, line 14, for "Fred W. Pierson and Fred W. Pierson, Jr. their heirs" read Fred W. Pierson and Fred W. Pierson, Jr., their heirs or assigns, and Reynolds Metals Company, its successors in the heading to the printed specification, lines 4 to 9, for "Robert John Adamo, Grandville, and Edward Albert Greger, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Fred William Pierson, 1147 Wheeler SW., and Fred William Pierson, Jr. 3815 Byron Center Road SW., both of Grand Rapids, Mich. assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, to said Fred W. Pierson and said Fred W. Pierson, Jr." read Robert John Adamo, Grandville, and Edward Albert Greger, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Fred William Pierson, and FredWilliam Pierson, Jr., both of Grand Rapids, Mich., said Adamo and said Greger assignors to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va. a corporation of Delaware Signed and sealed this 16th day of November 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A DISTRIBUTION PAN FOR DISPENSING MOLTEN METAL AND THE LIKE COMPRISING A FIRST CUP-SHAPED METAL MEMBER HAVING HEAT INSULATING MEANS LINING THE INTERIOR THEREOF, A SECOND CUP-SHAPED METAL MEMBER TELESCOPICALLY DISPOSED IN SAID FIRST MEMBER AND HAVING HEAT INSULATING MEANS LINING THE INTERIOR THEREOF TO BE CONTACTED BY SAID MOLTEN METAL, SAID MEMBERS HAVING ALIGNED PASSAGE MEANS FOR INTERCONNECTING THE INTERIOR OF SAID SECOND MEMBER WITH THE EXTERIOR OF SAID FIRST MEMBER TO PERMIT MOLTEN METAL DISPOSED IN SAID SECOND MEMBER TO FLOW THROUGH SAID PASSAGE MEANS, AND MEANS FOR ABSORBING HEAT FROM SAID SECOND METAL MEMBER. 